Dog breeds with the highest number of pet insurance cancer claims

A T-shirt found in novelty stores at most shopping malls – “I’m proud of my granddog” – maybe proof that our pets are becoming more like family members.

Whether that “granddog” is a beagle mix from a local shelter or a $1,500, purebred Yorkie, experts say pet insurance is growing in popularity as a way to protect the family saving accounts from large veterinary bills in the event of an illness or accident. Also, it is a way to avoid having pets euthanized simply because the necessary veterinary care is too expensive.

Veterinarians can do more to treat sick pets from routine infections to cancer. But those treatments also come with a cost that some families cannot afford. Examples of bills that three pet owners in California received include $5,157 for a cat trapped in a car engine, $7,981 for cancer treatment for a dog and $13,137 for bacterial pneumonia treatment for a dog, according to the Ohio-based Embrace Pet Insurance.

For more about financial options for the treatment of canine cancer, contact the Canine Cancer Awareness website.

“Many pet parents are taken aback when they discover that surgery to correct their Labrador Retriever’s hip dysplasia will cost $5,000 or more,” says Embrace Pet Insurance President Alex Krooglik. “Pet insurance really helps in these situations.”

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, dog owners should expect to spend $9,400 to $14,000 during an average 15-year life span for their pets.

Plans can average $20 to $40 a month in premiums.

Financial experts suggest that pet owners would be better off saving $30 a month to pay for their cat or dog’s medical care.

June Ann Schroeder, a financial consultant with the Elm Grove, Wis.-based Liberty Financial Group, says that at a minimum, a savings account for pet expenses is a necessity.

Pet insurance policies have improved over the years, Schroeder says giving pet owners flexibility and variety in coverage options and pet owners may want to consider it. But she warns there are still some challenges to using pet insurance.

Those include whether the policy has a high deductible, which could still require a savings account. Breeds, ages and hereditary conditions also determine if a pet is insurable. And will the vet assist the pet owner in filling out the claims paperwork is also a challenge.

“There are a lot of vets that do not fill out the paperwork and that causes a delay in getting reimbursed from the insurance company,” Schroeder says.

Chris Middleton, vice president of marketing at Idaho-based Pets Best Insurance, points out that the first year veterinary costs for a puppy is more than $360. During an average 15-year life span a $30-a-month pet savings account will only cover about $5,400 in vet bills.

“Whether you chose pet insurance and what policy you use, depends on how much risk you want to take and what is your personal financial situation,” Middleton says. “But the whole idea of a pet savings account is not a viable option in covering a variety of illnesses.”

Including cancer,  Middleton adds.

“Depending on the study you read, one-in-three or one-in-four dogs will get cancer,” Middleton says. ” Rates in cats are similar with 33 percent of pet owners’ feline friends will likely contract cancer.”

“There are treatments out there that can have a great outcome but can be very expensive,” Middleton adds.

Like health protection for humans, pet insurance may rely on an animal’s history to determine premiums, which means the type of breed matters.

When it comes to picking an insurance company and a plan, Middleton and Krooglik agree that it pays to do your homework.

“Read the policies and check with a variety of insurers,” Middleton says. There is an estimated 10 insurance companies in the country that solely cover pets.

Some companies do not cover heredity problems such as hip dysplasia, while some do.  Age, breed and pre-existing medical conditions also factor into a pet’s insurability.

Many plans cover 80 percent of vet bills after a $250 or $500 deductible. Middleton adds there are some plans that cover routine check-ups and maintenance drugs such as heartworm.

Krooglik recommends pet parents use online review sites such as Yelp or PetInsuranceReview.com to help with their choice.

“Many pet parents look at pet insurance and decide not to purchase because they are unsure if it will pay off,” Krooglik says. “You should not buy any insurance if you’re looking for it to pay off. We don’t buy home insurance and pray that our houses will burn down. Pet insurance should be looked at in the same light.”

Schroeder, also a registered nurse, says regular pet care determines their health and quality of life.

“Are you brushing your pet regularly to limit the exposure of ticks and other bugs that can carry Lyme disease or worms? Are you brushing their teeth or giving them chewies to reduce plaque build-up? And what kind of food are you using?” asks Schroeder. “Just like humans and wellness programs, what you do day-to-day to care for your pet can limit health expenses in the long-run.”

Citing information from the National Canine Cancer Foundation, dog owners are encouraged to catch signs of cancer as early as possible. Detection in the beginning stages of the disease may help a dog survive.

Some of the symptoms included:
o lumps
o abnormal swelling
o weight loss
o persistent sores
o difficulty breathing

If your pet has any of these signs or any of the symptoms have been persistent, please contact your local vet for a check-up.

To see more data on pet cancer, look at the VetCancer Registry.